The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's decision to name their baby George has been welcomed by some of the Prince's famous namesakes.

Kensington Palace announced William and Kate had opted to call the infant George Alexander Louis, ending days of specualtion.

Chancellor George Osborne - who decided to change his own name from Gideon at the age of 13 - signalled his approval at the couple's choice on his Twitter page, simply posting: "Good name.."

Some of the reaction from well known Georges

At the other end of the political spectrum, Respect MP George Galloway tweeted: "Arise Prince George...lol."

Singer Boy George was also apparently delighted at the news, posting on his Twitter page: "Prince Georgie! Beautiful!"

Also taking to the social media site to announce his joy at the chosen moniker was Star Trek legend George Takei, who wrote: "His name is George. #OhMyyy."

Other Georges happy to learn they now shared a name with the third-in-line to the throne include street dancer and Britain's Got Talent Winner George Sampson.

He tweeted: "George! Result! #KingGeorge... #RoyalBaby."

Elsewhere, one historian expressed surprise at the selection.

Judith Rowbotham, a social historian at Nottingham Trent University, said that although George was a traditional Royal name and the bookmakers' favourite, the personal life of the previous Prince George of Cambridge caused a great deal of scandal.

"It's going to give some mileage for comparison," she said.

"His personal life was not to the pace of the Victorians but on the other hand he was a very good military commander and presided over a number of important reforms."

Dr Rowbotham added that Louis would be especially important to the baby's grandfather Charles, who was very fond of his uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was assassinated by the IRA.

She also said Alexander could be a tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh's side of the family.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said William and Kate were "undoubtedly" paying tribute to the Queen's father George VI.

And historian and royal biographer Robert Lacey said he thought the choice of George as the baby's first name would give the Queen "great pleasure".